By Milcah Tanimu
In a shocking revelation, the Bauchi State Police Command disclosed that the tragic stabbing of a 500-level Geology student at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) occurred as he valiantly attempted to retrieve his girlfriend’s handbag from assailants. The late student, Joseph Agabaidu, succumbed to severe injuries sustained during the incident despite being rushed to the ATBU Teaching Hospital.
The incident, which took place near the Yelwan Tudu market in Bauchi, sparked a protest among students who decried inadequate security in and around the campus. The protest led to the temporary closure of the school, with students instructed to vacate the campus immediately.
The Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, stated that the assailants, whose identity remains unknown, snatched the handbag of the deceased’s girlfriend, Philomena Ahobee, containing her mobile phone. Agabaidu, in an attempt to retrieve the bag, was stabbed in the chest and later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, student leaders from the National Union of Bauchi State Students (NUBAS) and the Student Union Government (SUG) met with the Commissioner of Police to address the situation. The police assured the students of increased security measures in the affected areas and pledged efforts to apprehend the perpetrators, emphasizing a commitment to justice.
The Commissioner of Police condemned the violent protest by some students, urging a peaceful resolution to conflicts and expressing the police’s dedication to protecting citizens’ lives and property. The tragic incident has raised concerns about campus security, prompting both the police and university authorities to respond swiftly to address the situation.
